Climate Action
5 Reasons Electric Vehicles Are Making a Difference
September 11, 2024
Do you commute by car regularly? If so, you’ve probably noticed a lot more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road these days.
This is no coincidence: reports from the International Energy Agency have shown that 14 million EVs were sold in 2023, which is 18% of all vehicles sold in the world, mostly in China, Europe and the United States. According to Bloomberg NEF, the sale of EVs have grown 61% per year between 2020 and 2023, and it will grow continuously for about 21% every year under government initiatives encouraging such purchases. By 2040, in an ideal scenario, 722 million, or 45% of the world’s fleet, will be EVs.
If you are about to buy a car and haven’t decided between gas or electric, here are five interesting facts you should know about EVs before you choose.
1. EVs Emerged Way Before You Think
German mechanic Karl Benz unveiled the world’s first gas-powered automobile called the “Patent-Motorwagen” in 1885, and it would become the blueprint for modern day automobiles. The first electric automobile was actually invented just two years later, by Scottish-American electric engineer William Morrison.
Building on crude prototypes attempted by other engineers throughout the 19th century, Morrison improved the functionality of the batteries that powered the rear wheels, and built a vehicle that could carry six people and had a top speed of 14 miles per hour. Following Morrison, several other automobile manufacturers tried to create their own battery-powered cars, back then called “horseless carriages.”
However, the hay days did not last for long. The introduction of mass-produced and importantly much more affordable gasoline vehicles, like Henry Ford’s Model T, and the invention of the automatic starter, which replaced the cumbersome hand-crank method, led to the decline of early electric cars, pushing them into obscurity for nearly a century.
2. It’s All About The Battery
Battery technology made the mass production of EVs possible. Early electric cars relied on lead-acid batteries, which were heavy, had limited capacity, and required frequent recharging, making them less practical compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. As a result, they quickly fell out of favor.
However, the development of more efficient and lightweight battery technologies, in particular lithium-ion batteries, changed the industry. Lithium batteries have high energy density, longer lifespans, and faster charging capabilities. These improvements have made modern EVs more reliable, with greater driving ranges and shorter charging times, addressing key limitations of early electric cars.
However, it is not all roses. Lithium remains a finite resource that has been linked to environmental degradation and its production remains energy-intensive. Scientists and researchers have been trying to find a robust and durable replacement for lithium-ion batteries for more than a decade.
3. Where’s The Juice?
The environmental impact of EVs is closely tied to the source of the electricity used for charging them. In regions where electricity is generated from low-emission or renewable sources like wind, solar, or hydropower, EVs can significantly reduce carbon emissions over their lifetime compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.
However, in areas heavily reliant on fossil fuels to make electricity, particularly coal, the emissions associated with generating that electricity can diminish the environmental benefits of EVs.
Recent advancements in the U.S. have seen a shift towards cleaner electrical grids, with many coal plants being phased out in favor of natural gas, and renewables. This transition has resulted in a cleaner electricity mix, lowering the overall carbon footprint of EVs even in regions that previously relied on coal. As a result, EVs generally produce fewer emissions than gasoline cars, even in areas where the grid is not fully green.
The improved efficiency of electric engines also plays a significant role. Electric motors are inherently more efficient than internal combustion engines, meaning they require less energy to operate. When combined with a cleaner electricity grid, this efficiency translates to lower carbon emissions per mile driven.
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4. Tire wear and tear remains a concern for the environment
According to Emissions Analytics, the extra weight of EV’s can increase tire wear by up to 26%, leading to more microplastics being released into the environment, along with a a chemical called 6PPD.
These microplastics pose a serious environmental threat, as they can be inhaled by humans and animals or ingested through contaminated water and food sources. The increased dispersion of these harmful particles due to EVs’ higher torque and weight highlights the need for advancements in tire technology and materials.
5. The US government is currently heavily subsidizing EV production
Federal subsidies for EVs have been a significant driver in promoting the adoption of cleaner transportation. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, introduces revised EV tax credits, aiming to boost domestic production of EVs and batteries while encouraging broader adoption.
The act extends the $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases but imposes stricter requirements on battery sourcing and vehicle assembly to qualify. Additionally, it offers a $4,000 credit for used EVs, expanding affordability.
To learn more about EVs read our Explainer and follow us on social media, or subscribe to our Substack channel.
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